The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking to boost agricultural and trade cooperation with the European Union following a recent meeting with the EU–ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC).
In a statement on Sunday, the DA said discussions focused on possible collaborations in animal health, dairy development, farm mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient farming.
DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro said the partnership aims to improve productivity, competitiveness, and food security in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. He also highlighted the EU-ABC’s participation in the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting and its support for ASEAN’s 2026 agenda on regenerative and resilient agriculture.
The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026, allowing it to take the lead in promoting climate-smart and sustainable farming in the region.
EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through ongoing regional initiatives, such as the ASEAN Health Summit and the annual Sustainability Summit hosted in the Philippines. He also expressed support for completing the EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
